Mary Kom clarified, "I have not officially declared my retirement, and there has been a misquotation in the reports."

Renowned boxer Mary Kom has refuted recent reports suggesting her retirement, asserting that she has not made any formal announcement to that effect. Addressing the media, she clarified that she was misquoted and emphasized her intention to personally address the public when she decides to retire. The confusion arose from her participation in a school event in Dibrugarh on January 24, 2024, where she expressed her ongoing passion for sports but acknowledged the age restrictions preventing her from Olympic participation. Mary Kom explained that she is still committed to maintaining her fitness and assured everyone that when she decides to retire, she will make a public announcement.

Earlier, there were reports citing the International Boxing Association's (IBA) rules as the reason for Mary Kom's supposed retirement. The IBA restricts boxers from competing in the Olympics beyond the age of 40. Mary Kom acknowledged the constraints imposed by these regulations, expressing her desire to continue playing but lamenting the enforced retirement due to age limits. She insisted that she is still driven and hungry for success but acknowledged the inevitability of retirement due to age-related restrictions.

Mary Kom's illustrious career as a trailblazing female boxer has left an indelible mark on the sport. As the first woman to clinch six world titles and the first Indian woman to secure a boxing gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, she has been a pioneer in women's boxing. Starting her international career at the age of 18, Mary Kom faced initial setbacks but went on to achieve remarkable success, including World Championships in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2018, as well as an Olympic bronze in 2012. Despite breaks for childbirth, she returned to the sport triumphantly, winning her sixth world title in 2018 and an eighth world medal in 2019, setting a record in the process. Mary Kom remains a symbol of resilience and accomplishment in the world of boxing.